Miss Kansas Alexis Smith declares her ‘abuser’ is ‘not going to stop’ her from taking the ‘stage’

Alexis Smith, recently crowned Miss Kansas, has become a viral sensation following her poignant onstage declaration during the 2024 pageant. 

Smith, who clinched the title on June 8, shared a powerful message about domestic violence during her interview segment, drawing significant attention on social media. "Some of you out in this audience saw me very emotional, because my abuser is here today," Smith stated. She added, “But that's not going to stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and representing as the next Miss Kansas."

Smith’s statement was shared on her official X account on July 16, quickly amassing over 53,000 views. The post included the message, “Respect Reclaimed!” and emphasized, “Our time is now for healthy relationships.” The clip received widespread acclaim from viewers who praised her bravery and resilience.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Smith elaborated on her platform, saying, “As Miss Kansas, my platform is deeply rooted in empowering people to break free from cycles of domestic violence and unhealthy relationships." 

She expressed her commitment to using her position to advocate for those affected by similar struggles, citing her personal experiences with abuse.

Smith's journey and advocacy are rooted in her own history of domestic violence, which she began addressing at age 14. She plans to use her talent in ventriloquism to educate Kansas youth about healthy relationships, aiming to create dolls that reflect positive relationship traits.

Smith will represent Kansas at the Miss America competition in January 2025.